Top 5 Projected Save Leaders For The MLB In 2017

Aroldis Chapman appeared in 31 Games for the Yankees in 2016, holding 20 Saves and a crisp 2l01 ERA and WHIP of .867. This was done in just over 3 months. With the Yankees kickstarting him up from Spring Training, and without the aid of Andrew Miller as a fallback option, I expect the flamethrowing southpaw to have one of his best seasons ever out of the pen in 2017.

What a scene it will be at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW in he District today where Aroldis Chapman and Joe Maddon will reunite to celebrate their 2016 World Series Championship.

The big Lefty Cuban should be the favorite to win the 2017 Saves Title for the entire MLB. It is not that the Yankees will lead the league in wins – heck they may finish 4th in the AL East. I just believe that with the pop gun offense (say for Gary Sanchez) that the victories will all be closely contested.

I highly thought of Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel for this honor as well, however I like their managers to give them the odd day off ans Save Opportunities.

As of today, we have the Cubs nearing the 100 in plateau again, but just like the aforementioned players above, I think Maddon will use several guys to register Saves for Chicago in 2017 – like Wade Davis, Hector Rondon and Carl Edwards JR.

The reigning World Series Champs are also a lot more prone to blow out teams in a weakened National League where 6 clubs may lose 90 Games or more.

For the sake of preserving arms and fatigue, I would also not be surprised to see a few more SVO’s going to Andrew Miller in lieu of Cody Allen for the AL Pennant winners Cleveland.

Familia led the whole MLB in Saves during 2016 with 51 conversions. With a lurking domestic violence suspension looming large, the Mets Closer will probably get dinged 30 – 40 games, and thus take him out of a chance to do it again in 2017. I still think Familia has a chance to nab 35 – 40 Saves when he returns this upcoming campaign.

If Jeurys Familia were not staring down a domestic suspension upcoming, there is a great chance we would have selected him to lead the entire Majors in the category.

There is a chance for any upcoming Nationals Closer to pull down a top 5 spot in the Senior Circuit – or perhaps even the National League, but it must via trade. Not even a Free Agent Greg Holland signing (albeit a great idea) will pull down enough opportunities to lay the claim.

Washington should have insisted David Robertson as part of the Adam Eaton, and I am stunned they let the transaction go down without bringing him back to the fold. I would project the man to save in the mid 40s should he be acquired by the DC club.

Glen Perkins may also be on the Nats radar as they have dealt with the Twins in the past on several occasions.

It is not paramount that Washington starts the year with a bonafide Shutdown Ace Reliever, however by the Trade Deadline they must work on doling out for a Closer who has plenty of playoff experience.

We don’t have Washington behind the Cubs for many wins at all, so they may lead the league in Save Opportunities themselves.

***Important to note that Aroldis Chapman missed the 1st 29 Games of the 2016 season with the New York Yankees, and could have factored into the top 5 MLB Closers Race. Familia should still end up approaching the NL Top 5, as we project a 30 Game Suspension, and 38 Saves for him in 2017.

MLB Overall (2017)

We think K-Rod will be highly motivated on the last year of his deal – drawing only $6 MIL for a salary in 2017. If the year goes awry there will be plenty of contending clubs that would love to trade for him considering his playoff pedigree.

Franky Rodriguez Saved 40 games for the 7th time in his brilliant career during 2016. It was good for 5th overall in the MLB. Despite early claims of a rebuild in Motown, the brass has since reneged on the idea. It would take a brutal season for the Tigers to trade the man part way through the year, as such he has a great chance for another 40 Save campaign. At age 34 Rodriguez is the Active Leader of ALL – Time Saves among relievers with 430. He may have an outside chance to be the 3rd member of the 600 Save list Rivera/Hoffman) if he can have a big 2017.

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About hunterstokes21

I Played NCAA Baseball at Liberty University in the 90's with Sid Bream's kid Sheldon. Once Hit a Home Run by hitting a hot air balloon that was coming over 2nd base (It was agreed that if a balloon was hit before game by the umpires and coaches - even though they were setting up in LF/CF Bleachers). I believe in the "Church Of Baseball". Come in for worship anytime.

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